[Reader-list] From speech to body.....

[Jeebesh Bagchi]

dear all,

just came across this report. once voice meant the ability to  
enunciate and make claims. now it obviously means something totally  
different.

best

jeebesh

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"Giving voice to the voiceless - an experiment in remote parts of  
rural India"

Author: Kris Dev

Time: 22.10.2007 17:40



Comment: Creating a unique identity for every citizen by registering  
their Biometric (all 10 finger prints or palm vein) and issuing a  
Multi Purpose Biometric Smart Card Cum Post Office / Bank Debit Card,  
and Tracking all transactions using the Biometric Smart Card is one  
sure way to eliminate corruption in all welfare schemes such as free  
health care, free education, free noon meal, PDS, employment  
guarantee, old age pension, flood and famine relief, tsunami relief,  
etc.

A Proof of Concept was successfully demonstrated in A.P. and Bihar to  
eliminate corruption in NREGA implementation.

The Biometric Tracking of beneficiaries of NREGP was recognized as  
the Best initiative for e-Inclusion and Livelihood Creation in India  
by Digital Empowerment Foundation with the Manthan Award 2006. "E- 
Administration, an e-Platform for e-Governance" was nominated to the  
World Summit Award 2007 from India.

More details can be seen at: http://www.manthanaward.org/Bio-metric% 
20tracking%20of%20payments%20under%20NREGA.asp, http:// 
www.indianexpress.com/story/21904.html, http:// 
www.thehindubusinessline.com/ew/2007/03/19/stories/ 
2007031900110300.htm, http://www.indianexpress.com/story/33365.html,  
http://indiainvents.blogspot.com/2007/10/life-line-to-business- 
ll2b.html.

It is now up to the Government of India and various State Governments  
to accept the challenge, to reduce the leakages in various welfare  
schemes and usher in true democracy in India, alleviate urban and  
rural poverty, stop suicidal death of farmers and farm laborers,  
achieve UN MDGs and give voice to the voiceless, particularly the women.